Intel's 'She Will Connect' Aims To Reduce Digital Gender Gap in Developing World

In a bid to narrow the digital literacy gender gap in the developing world, Intel will launch a new initiative dubbed She Will Connect. Working with non-governmental organizations and governments, the company will kick off the program in Afirca, where the gender gap is widest, according to information released by the company.

"The Internet has transformed the lives of billions of people," said Shelly Esque, vice president of Intel's Corporate Affairs Group and president of the Intel Foundation. "It functions as a gateway to ideas, resources and opportunities that never could have been realized before, but our research shows that girls and women are being left behind. We believe that closing the Internet gender gap has tremendous potential to empower women and enrich their lives as well as all the lives they touch."

The initiative "will test a new model that integrates digital literacy with gender and development programming targeting women and girls" using an online gaming platform and a peer network, according to an Intel news release.

The online gaming environment, currently in development, will deliver interactive digital literacy content to smartphones and tablets for learning individually, within a mediated environment, or within a peer network.

For the peer network, Intel is working with World Pulse to integrate the latter's "digital empowerment training into existing digital literacy programs and connect women to a safe and supportive peer network," according to a news release. Women will be able to exchange ideas and find mentors, support, and content tailored to women through the World Pulse platform.

Additionally, the company will continue working toward its goal of reaching 1 million Indian women with its Easy Steps digital literacy program and will expand its digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills training in Latin America.

About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at jbolkan@gmail.com.